Which US state's nickname is "The Beaver State"?

This particular state's identity is deeply connected to the American beaver, a symbol of its history and natural heritage. The nickname dates back to the early 19th century when the fur trade was a major economic driver in the region. Beaver pelts were highly sought after, especially for making fashionable fur hats in Europe, which led to extensive exploration and settlement of the area by fur trappers. The abundance of beavers in the state's streams and rivers made it a central hub for this lucrative industry, forever linking the animal to the state's early development. The trapping routes established during this era even helped blaze the path that would become the famous Oregon Trail.

The connection is so ingrained that the state officially adopted the American beaver as its state animal in 1969. This industrious rodent is also honored in a unique way on the state flag. Oregon is the only state in the U.S. with a two-sided flag, and the reverse side exclusively features a golden image of a beaver. This prominent placement recognizes the beaver's crucial role in the state's economic history and its admirable qualities of industry and ingenuity.

The intense trapping during the fur trade era nearly drove the beaver to extinction in the region. However, conservation efforts in the 20th century helped the population to recover. Today, beavers are recognized not just for their historical economic value but also for their vital role as "ecosystem engineers." Their dams create wetlands that provide essential habitats for many other species, improve water quality, and help regulate stream flows.